English test requirements for Australian visas changed on 7 August 2025. If you’re applying for a visa, make sure your test was taken at a secure test centre and meets the updated rules.
What Changed on 7 August 2025?
The Department of Home Affairs now accepts results from a new list of English tests for visa purposes. These must be taken in person at a secure testing centre.
If you did your test before 7 August 2025, your result may still be valid—but only until 6 August 2028, and only for certain visas.
Accepted English Tests (From 7 August 2025)
You can use test results from the following exams (taken at a secure test centre only):
- IELTS Academic or General Training (with One Skill Retake)
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
- OET (Occupational English Test – for health professionals)
- CELPIP General
- LANGUAGECERT Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET)
Note: All at-home/online versions of these tests are not accepted for Australian visa purposes.
Not Accepted (Online Tests)
The Department does not accept evidence from English language tests that are delivered completely online (also known as ‘remote-proctored’ or ‘at-home’).
What If I Took My Test Before 7 August 2025?
If your test was taken on or before 6 August 2025, it might still be valid if:
- It was one of the previously accepted tests (e.g. IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, CAE, OET).
- It was taken at a secure centre.
- It is still within the valid time period (usually up to 3 years). You can use test results from before 7 August 2025 until 6 August 2028, depending on the visa you are applying for.
What English Level Do I Need?
Each visa subclass requires a different English level. The Department recognises five main levels of proficiency.
- Functional
- Vocational
- Competent
- Proficient
- Superior
English Levels and Required Test Scores
For tests taken on or before 6 August 2025*
English Level | IELTS | PTE | TOEFL iBT | Cambridge C1 | OET |
Functional | 4.5 avg | 30 | 32 | 147 | N/A |
Vocational | 5.0 in each band | 36 in each | 35 in each | 154 in each | B in each |
Competent | 6.0 in each | 50 in each | 64 in each | 169 in each | B in each |
Proficient | 7.0 in each | 65 in each | 94 in each | 185 in each | B in each |
Superior | 8.0 in each | 79 in each | 110 in each | 200 in each | A in each |
For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025
English Requirements for the Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
To meet the English language requirement for the 485 visa, you must either:
- Hold a valid passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Ireland
OR - Achieve the minimum test scores below:
For tests taken on or before 6 August 2025
Component | IELTS | PTE | TOEFL | OET | CAE |
OVERALL | 6.5 | 57 | 83 | B | 176 |
Listening | 5.5 | 43 | 7 | B | 162 |
Reading | 5.5 | 48 | 8 | B | 162 |
Writing | 5.5 | 51 | 18 | B | 162 |
Speaking | 5.5 | 42 | 16 | B | 162 |
For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025
Component | IELTS | PTE | TOEFL | CELPIP | MET | OET | LANGUAGECERT |
OVERALL | 6.5 | 55 | 81 | 8 | 58 | 310 | 67 |
Listening | 5.5 | 40 | 12 | 6 | 53 | 260 | 49 |
Reading | 5.5 | 42 | 12 | 6 | 51 | 280 | 54 |
Writing | 5.5 | 41 | 14 | 6 | 51 | 260 | 56 |
Speaking | 5.5 | 39 | 17 | 6 | 43 | 310 | 62 |
English Requirements for the Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482)
The 482 visa has different rules — you must achieve minimum scores in each component.
There is no “overall” score. Each skill must meet the threshold.
Test | Minimum Score in Each Component |
IELTS | 4.5 (each band) |
TOEFL iBT | Listening: 3 |
PTE Academic | 30 in each band |
OET | A or B in each component |
Cambridge C1 Advanced | 154 in each component |
CELPIP General | 5 in each component |
LANGUAGECERT Academic | 60 in each component |
MET | 85 in each component |
Tests taken on or after 13 September 2025
The Department will align test requirements for SID visa purposes on or after 13 September 2025 with the Vocational level of English proficiency outlined in the Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025 (LIN25/016).
FAQs
- Is my old English test still valid?
If you took it before 7 August 2025 at a secure test centre, it may be valid until 6 August 2028, depending on the visa.
- Can I use IELTS Online or other at-home tests?
No. Online or remote tests are not accepted for visa purposes.
- How do I know which English level my visa needs?
Check the official visa eligibility page or speak to a registered migration agent.
- Did the English score requirement for the 482 visa change?
No. The 482 (Skills in Demand) visa continues to require minimum scores in each individual component, not an overall average. The English language test requirements for the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) will not change until 13 September 2025.
- I took my English test before 7 August 2025 and achieved the new score. Can I use it?
No. If your test was taken before 7 August 2025, your score will be assessed against the old scoring table, even if it matches or exceeds the new requirements.
The new scoring system applies only to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025.
Final Thoughts
These changes are important for anyone applying for an Australian visa. Using the wrong test or the wrong format (like online versions) can lead to delays or visa refusal.
If you’re unsure about which English level applies to your visa — or whether your test is still valid — it’s best to get expert advice.
Seven Migration can help you understand the updated requirements and avoid costly mistakes.
Reach out to our team to get personalised guidance on your next visa application.